Effect of speed control humps on vehicle dynamics

Abstract

Speed control humps are effective in controlling speeding vehicles in residential areas, school exits, and university grounds. They should be well designed, properly constructed and supported by efficient warning signs. The objective of this study is to investigate the effects of hump parameters (cross section, dimensions, spacing, etc.) on the dynamic behaviour of the vehicle and the driver. Vehicle safety and driver comfort are most important in evaluating the effectiveness of speed control humps. A mathematical model representing the vehicle and the driver is developed. Several hump profiles are tried. A “basic” hump is selected and the effects of the individual parameters of the hump on the dynamic response of the system are evaluated through the computer simulation. The results are analyzed; conclusions and recommendations for the design of speed control humps are specified.